Gemstone Beach near Orepuki is famous for the semi-precious stones that wash up along its sands — garnet, quartz, jasper and even the occasional sapphire.
The best fossicking is after a good storm, when the surf reshapes the beach and turns over a fresh scatter of stones. Wet pebbles show their colour best, so a splash of seawater helps the good ones stand out from the grey.
At the western end the beach is watched over by Monkey Island — a small, grass-topped islet sitting just offshore on a bed of boulders. At low tide you can walk out across the rocks and climb the wooden stairway cut into its side for a view back along the coast.
Further along, wind and sea have carved the dunes into overhangs and sandy hollows, with wind-bent trees leaning out of the cliff above a hidden little shelter — worth the wander if you have the time.
Photos courtesy of Rarakau Lodge guests.